Commedia Lazzi Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What are LAZZI?

Essentially skits for commedia dell'arte performances

Musical pieces in theater

Names of famous commedia dell'arte actors

Stock jokes or gags inserted into a performance (correct)

What is an example of Acrobatic Lazzi?

Running-Around-The-Balcony Lazzo, Lazzo of Unspilled Wine, Slapping Lazzo

What is the Running-Around-The-Balcony Lazzo?

Arlecchino leaps from the stage to the spectator box and runs around the railing.

Describe the Lazzo of Unspilled Wine.

Arlecchino executes a backward somersault without spilling a full glass of wine. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Slapping Lazzo?

A Zanni slaps another character in the face with his foot while holding plates or with hands bound. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of Violent Lazzi?

Singing Lazzo Signup and view all the answers

What happens in the Innocent Bystander Lazzo?

Arlecchino and Pedrolino strike out at each other with the Captain receiving the blows. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'Defend Me' Lazzo?

The inamorata demands other characters duel to protect her honor. Signup and view all the answers

What does Arlecchino do in the Shield Lazzo?

He grabs another character to use as a shield to avoid being hit. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the Revival Lazzo?

A woman pretends to faint or die, and the Zanni suggests reviving her by pulling her hair or twisting limbs. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Chair Lazzo involve?

Arlecchino pulls the chair away from the Captain just before he sits down. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the Lazzo of Latin?

The Doctor conjugates English words as if they were Latin. Signup and view all the answers

What happens in the Lazzo of the Foreign Language?

Covielle pretends to have met a foreign nobleman and uses made-up words. Signup and view all the answers

What is the content of Lazzo of La Fontaine's Fable?

A mixture of Italian and French used to tell a story in a ridiculous and obscene manner. Signup and view all the answers

What is the premise of the Learning French Lazzo?

A woman learning French finds every word taught offensive. Signup and view all the answers

What happens in Water and Wine Lazzo?

Characters faint and call for water and wine in a comedic mishap. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Commedia Lazzi Overview

Lazzi are gags or stock jokes integrated into commedia dell'arte performances to maintain comedic pacing.
Writers and actors traditionally memorized lazzi to insert them opportunely during performances.
This practice extended into film and television, with stock jokes still used by some writers.

Types of Lazzi

Acrobatic Lazzi includes physical comedy like the Running-Around-The-Balcony Lazzo, Lazzo of Unspilled Wine, and Slapping Lazzo.
Violent Lazzi involves more aggressive humor, such as Innocent Bystander Lazzo, "Defend Me" Lazzo, Shield Lazzo, Revival Lazzo, and Chair Lazzo.
Language Lazzi play on words and linguistic misunderstandings, including Lazzo of Latin, Lazzo of the Foreign Language, Lazzo of La Fontaine's Fable, Lazzo of Greeting, Learning French Lazzo, and Lazzo of the List.
Food Lazzi uses culinary references, like Water and Wine Lazzo, Barber's Water Lazzo, Tasting Lazzo, Cherries Lazzo, Fire Lazzo, and Doggie Treat Lazzo.

Acrobatic Lazzi

Running-Around-The-Balcony Lazzo: Arlecchino leaps from the stage, running around spectator boxes, showcasing agility and comic chase.
Lazzo of Unspilled Wine: Arlecchino performs a backward somersault while holding a full wine glass without spilling.
Slapping Lazzo: A Zanni character slaps another with their foot, often while hands are occupied or bound.

Violent Lazzi

Innocent Bystander Lazzo: A comedic conflict where Arlecchino and Pedrolino, armed, unintentionally strike the Captain while trying to hit each other.
"Defend Me" Lazzo: The inamorata incites others to duel in her defense due to her indignation.
Shield Lazzo: Arlecchino uses another character as a human shield when threatened.
Revival Lazzo: A comical scenario where a Zanni suggests absurd methods to revive a supposedly fainted woman.
Chair Lazzo: Arlecchino or Pierrot pulls away a chair from the Captain right before he sits, adding to the humor.

Language Lazzi

Lazzo of Latin: The Doctor humorously conjugates English words as if they were Latin terms.
Lazzo of the Foreign Language: A Zanni character pretends to quote a foreign nobility using nonsensical phrases and providing absurd translations.
Lazzo of La Fontaine's Fable: Arlecchino tells a fable using a mix of languages in a vulgar manner.
Lazzo of Greeting: Pulcinella greets another character with an elaborate and confusing phrase, leading to a comedic breakdown.
Learning French Lazzo: A comedic mishap as the inamorata learns French but is taught swear words instead.
Lazzo of the List: A character mispronounces items on a shopping list, leading to humorous misunderstandings.

Food Lazzi

Water and Wine Lazzo: A sequence where multiple characters faint, leading to a comedic situation surrounding the request for water and wine.
Barber's Water Lazzo: Involves Arlecchino disguising as a barber, setting up for a humorous mishap involving dirty water and customer reactions (incomplete definition).

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Description

Explore the concept of lazzi in commedia dell'arte through these informative flashcards. Learn how these comedic gags have evolved and their significance in enhancing performances, both in theater and film. Perfect for students and enthusiasts of theatrical arts.